‘What is Written with a Pen is Protected by Law’: Honoré de Balzac in the Dialectics of Copyright

This article explores the legal and philosophical views of Honoré de Balzac on copyright within the context of his literary legacy. It examines the influence of Balzac's legal education on his creative work as well as his practical involvement in the struggle for the protection of intellectual property in 19th-century France. The author argues that Balzac advocated for the rights of creators, denouncing the unfair distribution of profits in the publishing industry, and calling for legislative reform. Special attention is given to Balzac’s dialectical approach—his critique of the legal system combined with a belief in the possibility of justice. By analyzing Balzac’s literary corpus, the article concludes that his legacy remains highly relevant in contemporary debates on copyright, digital reproduction, and the balance of interests between authors, publishers, and society.